Rali's Famous Homemade Yogurt

This is a basic recipe for perfect thick and creamy yogurt every time, with only five minutes' prep time. Since the recipe was published a few months ago, my neighbors and I have tested and improved it, and due to popular demand, I'm printing it again. I will also include the recipes for a savory salad, a refreshing cold soup, and a yogurt drink. Yogurt is believed to bring longevity and healthy stomachs, and it is even Atkins friendly!

Here's Rali's recipe...

What you need:

2 cups of powdered milk (I use full cream Oldenburger milk. My experiment with fat free milk failed - the yogurt was very runny. If you like a less thick yogurt use 1-1/2 cups or less of powder milk)

4 cups water (room temperature, from the distiller)

1/2 cup plain yogurt

How to make it:

Mix the powdered milk and the water in a microwavable container with a lid (a large jar is perfect for this since you can shake it and the milk will dissolve, no need for a whisk). Crack the container open and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Add the yogurt, close, shake again to mix, and either leave in the oven with the oven light on (only the light, don't turn the oven on) or wrap in a woolen blanket or a fluffy towel and leave on the counter top in a room with the A/C off. Six to nine hours later, the yogurt is ready. Refrigerate and sweeten and flavor with vanilla, or any food flavoring or mix with sliced fruit. But remember to save half a cup of plain yogurt for your next batch.